Calgarians will be getting a chance over the next week to meet film stars, international musicians, and more than a few local hometown filmmakers at the Calgary International Film Festival.
CIFF is set to kick off on Sept. 18, with its very first red carpet event featuring Canadian rock icon Bif Naked.
But throughout the week people will have a chance to meet people like seven-time Olympian and goal medalist Christine Sinclair, internationally renowned DJ Kid Koala, award-winning Calgary actor Michelle Thrush, and Cannes Jury Prize winner Akash Sherman, among others.
In past years, the red carpet lineup has included the stars from My Life With the Walter Boys, Director Alfonso Maiorana, and Mike Downie, the brother of the late Gord Downie.
Katherine Penhale, Executive Director for CIFF, said the lineup for 2025 was great for visitors to the festival.
“To have this many folks who are both excited to come to Calgary, but also bring their content to Calgarians and let people have a first preview at some of these works, is super exciting,” she said.
“Having Biff make it on the red carpet tonight. We’re thrilled. Adam Scorgie, wonderful producer on that film as well, lots of different political leaders and other folks who are also really want to show their support for the film industry in Calgary, we’re super excited to kick things off.”
Unique for Calgary, Penhale said that the red carpet events also serve as an opportunity for Calgarians to not only see some of the stars but be one themselves.
“I’d strongly encourage anyone to come join us and check out a red carpet or two. As long as there’s no stars walking it, you get to walk it and get your own photos taken on the red carpet,” she said.
“Half the fun is the excitement before the movie. You get to see who the stars are. You get to see the excitement in the air. You get to contribute to a really thrilling moment. Also, when you see the videos coming out of CIFF, everyone says, ‘I know, I’ve seen that. That looks cool.’ You can be a part of it here in Calgary.
Bif Naked herself said that walking the red carpet at CIFF was easy because Calgarians themselves.
“I grew up playing in Calgary. I grew up playing in Edmonton and in the prairies. So for me, I’m familiar with everyone, so it’s kind of fun, because we all know each other, so it’s silly and I’m being goofy, and, you know, there’s that kind of comfort level that’s nice,” she said.
Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women Tanya Fir asked Calgarians to consider checking out all of the red carpets to meet the local filmmakers who were having their films presented at the festival.
“Let’s celebrate Calgary’s amazing International Film Festival. CIFF is incredible. The Calgary International Film Festival brings the best to our amazing city. The variety and the diversity of showings and talent is incredible. If you haven’t checked it out, check it out, and if you have, you know you’re coming back because it celebrates the best of Calgary,” she said.
